- Home
- Health Topics
- Articles
- Video
Focalin is a prescription drug licensed to treat ADHD. This eMedTV article explains that Focalin causes a calming effect even though it is a stimulant, and also highlights dosing guidelines and potential side effects with the drug (such as nausea).
Focalin side effects can include nausea, a loss of appetite, and a fever. This eMedTV Web page also discusses rare side effects of Focalin (such as drowsiness and headache) and side effects to report to your doctor (like fainting or seizures).
This eMedTV Web page explores Focalin and weight loss, explaining that using Focalin for weight loss is one off-label use of the medication. However, stimulants such as Focalin are often abused for this purpose.
This eMedTV article explores Focalin and hair loss, explaining that although hair loss appears to be a side effect in people taking a medication similar to Focalin, hair loss was not reported as a common side effect of Focalin in short-term studies.
This eMedTV page explains that it is difficult to tell how commonly people taking Focalin experience depression. This page explores Focalin and depression in more detail, noting in particular that the drug can be used off-label to treat depression.
As this eMedTV article explains, Focalin is used mainly to treat ADHD in children and adolescents -- but it may also be used off-label to treat adult ADHD. This page lists other off-label Focalin uses and explains the drug's effects and how it works.
As this eMedTV segment explains, the recommended starting Focalin dose for people who have not taken methylphenidate before is Focalin 2.5 mg twice daily. This page also lists some of the factors that can affect your Focalin dosage (like your age).
As this eMedTV Web page explains, among the drugs that Focalin can potentially interact with are pressors, seizure medications, and warfarin. Focalin drug interactions can possibly raise your risk of bleeding or side effects, among other things.
This eMedTV Web page discusses a number of Focalin warnings and precautions, including possible drug interactions and the risk of vision problems or sudden death in some people taking the drug. This article also covers who should avoid Focalin.
As this eMedTV resource explains, Focalin can cause withdrawal symptoms if it is taken in high doses and then quickly stopped. This page outlines some specific Focalin withdrawal symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, unusual behavior, and depression.
As this eMedTV page explains, snorting Focalin may be potentially dangerous because it allows for direct entry into the bloodstream, making the drug more potent. This page covers the reasons why some people snort Focalin and where they can get help.
It may not be safe to take Focalin during pregnancy. This eMedTV article explains that Focalin did cause problems to fetuses in pregnant animal studies. If you're taking Focalin and pregnancy occurs, you should let your healthcare provider know.
A recent Focalin overdose can be treated by pumping the stomach or giving certain drugs. This eMedTV page covers the effects of a Focalin overdose (such as confusion) and explains that you should seek immediate medical attention if you've overdosed.
It is illegal under federal and some state laws to obtain or use Focalin without a prescription. This eMedTV segment also explains why it is dangerous to use Focalin without the supervision of your healthcare provider.
Focalin is currently available in generic form. This eMedTV segment offers an overview of generic Focalin (known as Dexmethylphenidate tablets), including information on who manufactures it and how it compares to brand-name Focalin.
This eMedTV page explains Focalin's status as a Class II controlled substance. Similar to most other stimulants, it is likely that some people will abuse Focalin. Controlled substances are drugs that are very habit-forming or are likely to be abused.
This eMedTV page explains why you may want to avoid mixing Focalin and alcohol. Specifically, taking Focalin and alcohol together may affect your ability to perform certain tasks; and people who have abused alcohol may be more likely to abuse Focalin.
This eMedTV article explains that while the FDA has not approved the use of Focalin for adults with ADHD, a healthcare provider may prescribe the medication to an adult if he or she believes that it is appropriate for that person's situation.
This eMedTV article describes some of the alternatives to Focalin, such as other medications and lifestyle changes. This page outlines some specific stimulant and non-stimulant medications and lists some drugs that are used off-label to treat ADHD.
| Referring Pages | Articles |
